U.S. patent application number 16/040008 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-17 for fiber optic connection system.
This patent application is currently assigned to CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA. The applicant listed for this patent is CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA. Invention is credited to Stephane COLLART, Johan GEENS, Dirk Jozef G. VAN DE WEYER, Lodewijk VAN NOTEN, Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN.
Application Number | 20190018202 16/040008 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51830322 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-17 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190018202 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VERHEYDEN; Danny Willy August ;
et al. |
January 17, 2019 |
FIBER OPTIC CONNECTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A fiber optic adapter (736/836) includes a body configured to
mate a first fiber optic connector (12) with a second fiber optic
connector (50), the first and second fiber optic connectors (12,50)
including latches (60) for mating with catches (771) of the adapter
(736/836) for releasably engaging the first and second connectors
(12,50) with the fiber optic adapter (736/836), wherein the latches
(60) are configured to be unlatched from the catches (771) by
direct contact with the latches (60). The adapter (736/836)
includes a release mechanism (702/802) for allowing a user to
release the latch (60) of at least one of the first and second
fiber optic connectors (12,50) from the adapter (736/836) without
directly contacting the latch (60) of the at least one of the first
and second fiber optic connectors (12,50).
Inventors: |
VERHEYDEN; Danny Willy August;
(Gelrode, BE) ; GEENS; Johan; (Bunsbeek, BE)
; VAN NOTEN; Lodewijk; (Leuven, BE) ; COLLART;
Stephane; (Olen, BE) ; VAN DE WEYER; Dirk Jozef
G.; (Beringen, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA |
Kessel-Lo |
|
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
CommScope Connectivity Belgium
BVBA
Kessel-Lo
BE
|
Family ID: |
51830322 |
Appl. No.: |
16/040008 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15033648 |
May 1, 2016 |
10048447 |
|
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PCT/EP2014/073213 |
Oct 29, 2014 |
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16040008 |
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61898159 |
Oct 31, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/3897 20130101;
G02B 6/3825 20130101; G02B 6/3879 20130101; G02B 6/3893
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/38 20060101
G02B006/38 |
Claims
1. A fiber optic adapter comprising: a body configured to mate a
first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector,
the first and second fiber optic connectors including latches for
mating with catches of the adapter for releasably engaging the
first and second connectors with the fiber optic adapter, wherein
the latches are configured to be unlatched from the catches by
direct contact with the latches, wherein the adapter has a release
mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of at least one
of the first and second fiber optic connectors from the adapter
without directly contacting the latch of the at least one of the
first and second fiber optic connectors.
2. A fiber optic adapter according to claim 1, wherein the release
mechanism includes a portion of the adapter that slides with
respect to the rest of the body of the adapter.
3. A fiber optic adapter according to claim 1, wherein the release
mechanism is configured for unlatching either of the first and
second fiber optic connectors.
4. A telecommunications system comprising: a fiber optic adapter
configured to mate a first fiber optic connector with a second
fiber optic connector; the first fiber optic connector mounted to
the fiber optic adapter; the second fiber optic connector mounted
to the fiber optic adapter for optically mating with the first
fiber optic connector; wherein both of the first and second fiber
optic connectors include latches for mating with catches of the
fiber optic adapter for releasably engaging the first and second
connectors with the fiber optic adapter, the latches configured to
be unlatched from the catches by direct contact with the latches,
wherein the adapter has a release mechanism for allowing a user to
release the latch of at least one of the first and second fiber
optic connectors from the adapter without directly contacting the
latch of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic
connectors.
5. A telecommunications system according to claim 4, wherein the
release mechanism includes a portion of the adapter that slides
with respect to the rest of the body of the adapter.
6. A telecommunications system according to claim 4, wherein the
release mechanism is configured for unlatching either of the first
and second fiber optic connectors.
7. A telecommunications system according to claim 4, further
comprising a fixture configured to fixedly hold at least one of the
first and the second fiber optic connectors that is mounted to the
adapter, the holder configured to prevent axial movement of the
connector when being released from the adapter.
8. A telecommunications system according to claim 7, wherein the
fixture defines a plurality of locations for fixedly holding a
plurality of fiber optic connectors for mounting to adapters.
9. A method of unlatching a fiber optic connector from a fiber
optic adapter without directly contacting a latch of the fiber
optic connector that mates with a catch of the fiber optic adapter,
the method comprising: contacting the latch of the fiber optic
connector with a portion of a release mechanism located on the
fiber optic adapter to separate the latch of the fiber optic
connector from the catch of the fiber optic adapter.
10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the portion of the
release mechanism located on the fiber optic adapter includes a
slider that slides with respect to the rest of the fiber optic
adapter.
11. A method according to claim 9, wherein the fiber optic
connector is one of a first fiber optic connector and a second
fiber optic connector that optically mates via the fiber optic
adapter, the portion of the release mechanism located on the fiber
optic adapter is configured to unlatch either of the first fiber
optic connector or the second fiber optic connector.
12. A telecommunications system comprising: a fixture defining a
pocket for receiving a fiber optic adapter, the pocket defining an
adapter insertion first end and an opposite second end; the fiber
optic adapter inserted into the pocket from the first end, the
fiber optic adapter including a catch; a fiber optic connector
inserted into the pocket from the second end, the fiber optic
connector including a latch configured to mate with the catch for
latching the connector with the adapter, wherein the latch is
configured to be unlatched from the catch by direct contact with
the latch; and a release mechanism provided on the fiber optic
adapter or on the fixture for allowing a user to release the latch
of the connector from the catch of the adapter without directly
contacting the latch of the connector, the release mechanism
operable by the user from adjacent the adapter insertion first end
of the pocket.
13. A telecommunications system according to claim 12, wherein the
release mechanism includes a pivotable structure positioned on the
fixture.
14. A telecommunications system according to claim 13, wherein the
pivotable structure includes a lever arm mounted to the fixture
with a hinge.
15. A telecommunications system according to claim 13, wherein the
pivotable structure includes a cantilever member formed integrally
with the fixture.
16. A telecommunications system according to claim 12, wherein the
fixture defines a plurality of locations for fixedly holding a
plurality of the fiber optic connector for mating with a plurality
of the adapters.
17. A method of releasing a first fiber optic connector that has
been inserted into a pocket defined by a fixture from a first end
of the pocket from a fiber optic adapter that has been inserted
into the pocket from a second end of the pocket, wherein the
adapter is configured to mate the first fiber optic connector with
a second fiber optic connector, the method comprising: unlatching a
latch of the first fiber optic connector that connects the first
fiber optic connector to the fiber optic adapter from adjacent the
second end of the pocket.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the latch is released
by a release mechanism that is located on the fixture, the release
mechanism located on the fixture including a pivotable structure
positioned on the fixture.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the pivotable structure
includes a lever arm mounted to the fixture with a hinge.
20. A method according to claim 18, wherein the pivotable structure
includes a cantilever member formed integrally with the
fixture.
21. A method according to claim 17, wherein the latch is released
by a release mechanism that is located on the fiber optic
adapter.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the release mechanism
located on the fiber optic adapter includes a slider that slides
with respect to the rest of the fiber optic adapter.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/033,648, filed on May 1, 2016, which is a
National Stage of PCT/EP2014/073213, filed on Oct. 29, 2014, which
claims benefit of 61/898,159, filed on Oct. 31, 2013, and which
applications are incorporated herein by reference their entireties.
To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of
the above disclosed applications.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a fiber optic
connection system. Modern optical devices and optical
communications systems widely use fiber optic cables. Fiber optic
cables are often used to transmit light signals for high speed data
transmission. A fiber optic cable typically includes an optical
fiber or optical fibers, a buffer or buffers that surrounds the
fiber or fibers, a strength layer that surrounds the buffer or
buffers, and an outer jacket. The optical fibers function to carry
optical signals. A typical optical fiber includes an inner core
surrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating. Buffers
(e.g., loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function to surround
and protect coated optical fibers. Strength layers add mechanical
strength to fiber optic cables to protect the internal optical
fibers against stresses applied to the cables during installation
and thereafter. Example strength layers include aramid yarn, steel
and epoxy reinforced glass roving. Outer jackets provide protection
against damage caused by crushing, abrasions, and other physical
damage. Outer jackets also provide protection against chemical
damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).
[0003] Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate
connecting and disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field
without requiring a splice. A typical fiber optic cable connection
system for interconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber
optic connectors mounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and
an adapter for mechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic
connectors together. Fiber optic connectors generally include
ferrules that support the ends of the optical fibers of the fiber
optic cables. The end faces of the ferrules are typically polished
and are often angled. The adapter includes co-axially aligned ports
(i.e., receptacles for receiving the fiber optic connectors desired
to be interconnected). The adapter includes an internal sleeve that
receives and aligns the ferrules of the fiber optic connectors when
the connectors are inserted within the ports of the adapter. With
the ferrules and their associated fibers aligned within the sleeve
of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from one fiber to the
next. Some systems are known which include alignment of fibers but
no ferrules.
[0004] Improvements in the adapters are desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one implementation, a fiber optic connector is mounted to
a fiber optic connector holder. The holder can be a separate piece
mountable to other devices, such as trays, panels, modules,
cassettes, and chassis. Alternatively, the holder can be integrally
formed with the device. In some implementations, multiple holders
can be provided as separate elements, or as an integral
element.
[0006] The fiber optic connector holder holds the fiber optic
connector in position ready for connection to another fiber optic
connector at a desired time. The holder receives a fiber optic
adapter, and a second fiber optic connector. The adapter aligns the
two connectors for fiber optic signal transmission. In one example,
the fiber optic connector holder includes a clip for clipping to
the connector. In some implementations, the clip is releasable.
[0007] According to certain embodiments, the first and the second
fiber optic connectors and the adapter include interlatching
features for relatively fixing the connectors to the adapter. The
connector(s) may be removed from the adapter by releasing the
latching features. Similarly, the adapter may also be relatively
removed from the connector(s) by releasing the latching
features.
[0008] According to other aspects, the disclosure is directed to
fiber optic connector holders that include release mechanisms for
releasing the fiber optic adapter and a second fiber optic
connector from a first fiber optic connector when the first fiber
optic connector may not be readily accessible to a user. For
example, the first fiber optic connector might be held by a holder
that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel,
module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic
connector is positioned inside such a device without access to the
first connector from an exterior of the device.
[0009] According to other aspects of the disclosure, the release
mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the
first and second fiber optic connectors. The release mechanism of
the adapter might allow a user to release the adapter and the
second fiber optic connector from the first fiber optic connector
when the first fiber optic connector is not readily accessible to a
user (e.g., when the first fiber optic connector is supported by a
holder that is part of a device such as a tray, panel, module,
cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is
positioned inside such a device without access to the first
connector from an exterior of the device).
[0010] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is
directed to a telecommunications system comprising a fiber optic
adapter including a catch, a fiber optic connector including a
latch configured to mate with the catch for latching the connector
with the adapter, wherein the latch is configured to be unlatched
from the catch by direct contact with the latch, and a fixture
configured to fixedly hold the fiber optic connector for mating
with the adapter, wherein the fixture includes a release mechanism
for allowing a user to release the latch of the connector from the
catch of the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the
connector.
[0011] According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a
fiber optic adapter comprising a body configured to mate a first
fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the
first and second fiber optic connectors including latches for
mating with catches of the adapter for releasably engaging the
first and second connectors with the fiber optic adapter, wherein
the latches are configured to be unlatched from the catches by
direct contact with the latches, wherein the adapter has a release
mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of at least one
of the first and second fiber optic connectors from the adapter
without directly contacting the latch of the at least one of the
first and second fiber optic connectors.
[0012] According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a
telecommunications system comprising a fiber optic adapter
configured to mate a first fiber optic connector with a second
fiber optic connector, the first fiber optic connector mounted to
the fiber optic adapter, the second fiber optic connector mounted
to the fiber optic adapter for optically mating with the first
fiber optic connector, wherein both of the first and second fiber
optic connectors include latches for mating with catches of the
fiber optic adapter for releasably engaging the first and second
connectors with the fiber optic adapter, the latches configured to
be unlatched from the catches by direct contact with the latches,
wherein the adapter has a release mechanism for allowing a user to
release the latch of at least one of the first and second fiber
optic connectors from the adapter without directly contacting the
latch of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic
connectors.
[0013] According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a
method of unlatching a fiber optic connector that is fixedly held
by a fixture from a fiber optic adapter without directly contacting
a latch of the fiber optic connector that mates with a catch of the
fiber optic adapter, the method comprising contacting the latch of
the fiber optic connector with a portion of a release mechanism
located on the fixture to separate the latch of the fiber optic
connector from the catch of the fiber optic adapter.
[0014] According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a
method of unlatching a fiber optic connector from a fiber optic
adapter without directly contacting a latch of the fiber optic
connector that mates with a catch of the fiber optic adapter, the
method comprising contacting the latch of the fiber optic connector
with a portion of a release mechanism located on the fiber optic
adapter to separate the latch of the fiber optic connector from the
catch of the fiber optic adapter.
[0015] According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a
telecommunications system comprising a fixture defining a pocket
for receiving a fiber optic adapter, the pocket defining an adapter
insertion first end and an opposite second end, the fiber optic
adapter inserted into the pocket from the first end, the fiber
optic adapter including a catch, a fiber optic connector inserted
into the pocket from the second end, the fiber optic connector
including a latch configured to mate with the catch (571/671/771)
for latching the connector with the adapter, wherein the latch is
configured to be unlatched from the catch by direct contact with
the latch, and a release mechanism provided on the fiber optic
adapter or on the fixture for allowing a user to release the latch
of the connector from the catch of the adapter without directly
contacting the latch of the connector, the release mechanism
operable by the user from adjacent the adapter insertion first end
of the pocket.
[0016] According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a
method of releasing a first fiber optic connector that has been
inserted into a pocket defined by a fixture from a first end of the
pocket from a fiber optic adapter that has been inserted into the
pocket from a second end of the pocket, wherein the adapter is
configured to mate the first fiber optic connector with a second
fiber optic connector, the method comprising unlatching a latch of
the first fiber optic connector that connects the first fiber optic
connector to the fiber optic adapter from adjacent the second end
of the pocket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector
mounted to a fiber optic connector holder;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic
connector and the fiber optic connector holder of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the fiber optic connector and the
fiber optic connector holder of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of the fiber optic connector and the
fiber optic connector holder of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector
holder;
[0022] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the fiber optic
connector holder;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a fiber optic adapter being mounted to the
fiber optic connector held by the fiber optic connector holder of
FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a further view of the fiber optic adapter being
mounted to the fiber optic connector;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a side view of the fiber optic adapter being
mounted to the fiber optic connector;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the view of FIG.
9;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fiber optic adapter
fully mounted to the fiber optic connector;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic
adapter mounted to the fiber optic connector;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a second fiber optic
connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter for optical signal
transmission between two fiber optic cables;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a further perspective view of the view of FIG.
13;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a side view of the view of FIG. 13;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a top view of the view of FIG. 13;
[0033] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing two fiber
optic connectors separated from a mating fiber optic adapter;
[0034] FIG. 18 shows a plurality of fiber optic connector holders
mounted in a mounting arrangement for holding a plurality of first
fiber optic connectors, mating fiber optic adapters, and second
fiber optic connectors;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a further perspective view of the fiber optic
connector holder mounting arrangement of FIG. 18;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector
holder mounting arrangement without the connectors or adapters
shown;
[0037] FIG. 21 is an example implementation of a connector holder
system utilizing the connector holder implementations of FIGS.
1-20;
[0038] FIG. 22 is another example implementation of a connector
holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations of
FIGS. 1-20;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a further example implementation of a connector
holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations of
FIGS. 1-20;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a further example implementation of a connector
holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations of
FIGS. 1-20;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are
examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG.
25;
[0043] FIG. 27 is a side view of the system of FIG. 25;
[0044] FIG. 28 is a top view of the system of FIG. 25;
[0045] FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the system of FIG. 25;
[0046] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of
FIG. 28;
[0047] FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the system of FIG. 25;
[0048] FIG. 32 is a left side perspective view of another
embodiment of a fiber optic connector holder system having features
that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0049] FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG.
32;
[0050] FIG. 34 illustrates the system of FIG. 33 in a fully
assembled configuration;
[0051] FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of the system shown in
FIG. 34;
[0052] FIG. 36 is a top view of the system of FIG. 34;
[0053] FIG. 37 is a side view of the system of FIG. 34;
[0054] FIG. 38 is a rear view of the system of FIG. 34;
[0055] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 39-39 of
FIG. 38;
[0056] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 40-40 of
FIG. 38;
[0057] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 41-41 of
FIG. 38;
[0058] FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of the holder of the
system of FIGS. 32-41;
[0059] FIG. 43 is a rear view of the holder of FIG. 42;
[0060] FIG. 44 is a top view of the holder of FIG. 42;
[0061] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 45-45 of
FIG. 44;
[0062] FIG. 46 illustrates a portion of the holder of FIGS. 42-45
with a fiber optic connector mounted to the clip of the holder;
[0063] FIG. 47 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are
examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0064] FIG. 48 is a side view of the holder system of FIG. 47;
[0065] FIG. 49 is a top view of the holder system of FIG. 47;
[0066] FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 50-50 of
FIG. 49;
[0067] FIG. 51 illustrates the holder system of FIGS. 47-50 in an
exploded configuration;
[0068] FIGS. 52-56 illustrate the sequence of operation for
releasing an adapter and a second connector of the system of FIGS.
47-51 from a first connector of the system;
[0069] FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
an adapter configured for use with the system of FIGS. 47-56, the
adapter shown with first and second connectors mated;
[0070] FIG. 58 is a rear perspective view of the adapter and
connectors of FIG. 57;
[0071] FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter and
connectors of FIG. 57;
[0072] FIG. 60 is a top view of the adapter and connectors of FIG.
57;
[0073] FIG. 61 is a bottom view of the adapter and connectors of
FIG. 57;
[0074] FIG. 62 is a left side view of the adapter and connectors of
FIG. 57;
[0075] FIG. 63 is a right side view of the adapter and connectors
of FIG. 57;
[0076] FIG. 64 is a front view of the adapter and connectors of
FIG. 57;
[0077] FIG. 65 is a rear view of the adapter and connectors of FIG.
57;
[0078] FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 66-66 of
FIG. 60;
[0079] FIG. 67 illustrates the connectors exploded off the adapter
of FIG. 57;
[0080] FIG. 68 is a top view of the adapter and connectors of FIG.
67;
[0081] FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 69-69 of
FIG. 68;
[0082] FIG. 70 is a bottom view of the adapter and connectors of
FIG. 67; and
[0083] FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 71-71 of
FIG. 70.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, a connector holder system 10 is
shown. System 10 includes a fiber optic connector holder 14 which
holds a first fiber optic connector 12. System 10 maintains first
connector 12 in a protected and organized manner for later
connection to a second fiber optic connector. System 10 also does
not require a fiber optic adapter for holding the first connector
12 before connection to the second connector. With system 10, a
connector only approach is provided wherein only the one or more
first connectors 12 are held and maintained ready for connection to
an adapter and one or more second connector as desired by the
user.
[0085] Holder 14 includes a base 16 and a housing 18. Housing 18
defines a pocket 20 for receipt of a distal end 22 of first
connector 12. Pocket 20 also receives an adapter as will be
described below. Holder 14 includes a clip 26 which clips to first
connector 12 to hold first connector 12 to holder 14. As shown,
clip 26 clips to a rear 24 of first connector 12. Clip 26 is
located at end 30 of holder 14. Clip 26 is u-shaped and includes
two clip arms 48.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 7-12, an adapter 36 is inserted into an
opposite end 32 of holder 14 for mating connection with first
connector 12. Adapter 36 is inserted along a longitudinal axis 40
into pocket 20 and latches to first connector 12. Adapter 36 is not
latched to holder 14 wherein movement in the axially direction
would be prevented. Instead, axial movement is controlled by clip
26 mounted to first connector 12.
[0087] Adapter 36 includes posts 46 which slide along slots 28 of
holder 14 to provide proper alignment with first connector 12.
Pocket 20 does provide some support to adapter 36. The main
fixation of the mating connectors and adapter is between first
connector 12 and holder 14.
[0088] Once adapter 36 is mated with first connector 12, a second
connector 50 is mated with adapter 36. See FIGS. 13-16. Once second
connector 50 is mated with adapter 36, fiber optic signals can be
transmitted between a first cable 54 and a second cable 56. Once
both connectors are mated to adapter 36, the fiber optical fibers
within each of the first and second connectors 12, 50 and cables
54, 56 are in optical alignment.
[0089] If desired, second connector 50 can be pre-mated with
adapter 36, and then the combined adapter 36 and second connector
50 can be inserted into holder 14 for mating with first connector
12.
[0090] First connector 12 includes a shutter 34 for protecting the
user and others before connection to the second connector 50.
Second connector 50 also preferably includes a shutter.
[0091] Holder 14 includes an RFID tag location 42 for holding an
RFID tag, if desired. Holder 14 can be provided with holes 44 (see
FIGS. 5 and 6) to allow for RFID tags on the connectors to be read
while positioned in holder 14. RFID tags allow for identification
of specific connectors and adapters.
[0092] Holder 14 is shown with a closed housing 18 defining pocket
20. Housing 18 is optional if desired. An open topped base 16 can
be provided.
[0093] Holder 14 can be used as a system demarcation location. In
some implementations, first connectors 12 cannot be removed, if
desired. Only adapters 36 and second connectors 50 would be
accessible in that case. In such implementations, for example, the
first fiber optic connector 12 might be held by a holder that is
part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module,
cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector 12 is
positioned inside such a device without access to the first
connector 12 from an exterior of the device. The present disclosure
contemplates fiber optic connector holders that include release
mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapter 36 and a second
fiber optic connector 50 from a first fiber optic connector 12 when
the first optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a
user. Such holders will be discussed in further detail below.
According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the release
mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the
first and second fiber optic connectors 12, 50. Examples of such
adapters will also be discussed in further detail below.
[0094] Referring now to FIG. 17, adapter 36 is shown separated from
first connector 12 and second connector 50. In use, connectors 12,
50 mount to adapter 36 with latches 60. During insertion of
connectors 12, 50 into adapter 36, shutters 34 lift up exposing the
optical fiber inside of connectors 12, 50. Further descriptions of
the functions and structures of first connector 12 and second
connector 50 and the mating adapter 36 are shown in U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/758,021, Attorney Docket No.
02316.3413USP2, entitled Optical Fiber Connection System Including
Optical Fiber Alignment Device, filed Jan. 29, 2013, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further
embodiments of fiber optic adapters configured to mate first and
second fiber optic connectors 12, 50 having features similar to
those discussed herein are described and illustrated in U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/831,392, Attorney Docket No.
02316.3689USP1, entitled, Fiber Optic Adapter, filed Jun. 5, 2013,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety. The types of first and second connectors 12, 50 and
mating adapter 36 are shown in the drawings as one example
implementation. It is to be appreciated that other format
connectors and adapters could be used as desired wherein the
connector (for example, LC, SC, MPO) is mounted to a holder
configured to mount to the connector, instead of the adapter.
[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, a mounting arrangement or
fixture 70 is shown with a plurality of holders 14. Holders 14 can
be separate elements held together with a mounting structure, or
mounting arrangement or fixture 70 can be made with integrally
formed holders 14.
[0096] A single holder 14 or a plurality of holders 14, such as
mounting arrangement or fixture 70, can be mounted to a tray, a
panel, a module, a cassette, a chassis, or other telecommunications
equipment, as desired. In the example implementation, clip 26 is
releasable for removing first connector 12. Other mounting
structures can be used instead of clip 26 to mount first connector
12 to holder 14.
[0097] FIGS. 21-24 show various implementations of mounting
arrangements 70 including a plurality of holders 14, either
separately mounted, or integrally formed therewith for holding a
plurality of connectors prior to connections with an adapter and a
second connector. The mounting arrangements 70 can be moveably
mounted for improved user access too, as desired.
[0098] Referring now to FIG. 21, a first tray 100 is shown
including a mounting arrangement 70 in the form of a single row of
fiber optic connector holders 14. First tray 100 can include other
cable management structures 102 such as a cable pass through 104
and a cable storage area 106.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 22, a second tray 200 is shown with a
mounting arrangement or fixture 70 in the form of a single row of
fiber optic connector holders 14. Second tray 200 includes a tray
base 202 and a pivotable cover 204. Posts 46 on adapters 36 are
held in slots 206 when cover 204 is closed. Fixation is by the
first connectors 12 (not shown) within the interior second tray
200. Slots 206 provide an additional load bearing structure in
situations where an extra load may be placed on second connectors
50 and cables 56. However, the engagement of posts 46 and slots 206
does not interfere with the fiber optic signal pathway alignment
between the first and second connectors 12, 50, since the primary
fixation is by tray 200, holders 14 and first connectors 12 inside
of tray 200. Posts 46 allow for rotation of adapter 36 to help
avoid stress on the fiber to fiber alignment. Adapters 36 can be
removed from the interiorly located first connectors 12 by
engagement with buttons 210. Button 210 engages the connector latch
60 on first connector 12 disposed within the closed interior of a
rear portion 212 of second tray 200.
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 23, a panel 300 is shown including a
plurality of rows 302 of holders 14. Holders 14 are provided in
mounting arrangements 70 which are pivotable up and down relative
to one another to allow for connector access. Such pivoting will
also allow for improved access to individual RFID tags associated
with the adapters 36, and the related connectors 12, 50.
[0101] Referring now to FIG. 24, another fixture in the form of a
mounting block 400 is shown with a plurality of rows 402 of holders
14. As with panel 300, mounting block 400 also includes a dense
arrangement of the adapters 36 and the first and second connectors
12, 50 in mounting arrangement 70. Rows 402 pivot about an axis
which is parallel to the connector axis for each of the connectors
for improved access to the adapters 36 and connectors 12, 50.
[0102] Connector holder system 10 and the various implementations
noted above holds the connector of one of the mated connector
pairs, instead of the mating adapter 36. In general, it is not
desirable to precisely fix to a holder, tray, or other device both
of the mating connectors and the mating adapter. Tolerance offsets,
and misalignments may interfere with proper fiber alignment and
signal transmission. In the present implementations, the connector
12 is the primary fixation of the system 10. If there is additional
fixation provided, such as for load bearing situations, it does not
interfere with the connector 12 to holder 14 fixation, or the fiber
to fiber alignment.
[0103] One result of providing a connector holder system 10 as
described herein is that the adapters 36 can be added at a later
date, when desired. In the implementations shown above, the
connector 12 is protected without the need for an adapter.
[0104] As noted above, in certain implementations, the first fiber
optic connector 12 might be held by a holder that is part of a
fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or
chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector 12 is positioned
inside such a device without access to the first connector 12 from
an exterior of the device. The present disclosure contemplates
fiber optic connector holders that might include release mechanisms
for releasing the fiber optic adapter and a second fiber optic
connector 50 from a first fiber optic connector 12 when the first
optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a user. When a
connector 12 is protected within a device without the need for an
adapter, the adapter and the second connector 50 may be added at a
later date. However, removability of the adapter and the second
connector 50 without having to access or interfering with the first
connector 12 is important in such a connector-only approach wherein
only the one or more first connectors 12 are held and maintained
ready for connection to an adapter and one or more second
connectors 50 as desired by the user.
[0105] Referring now to FIGS. 25-31, another embodiment of a
connector holder system 500 is illustrated. The holder system 500
includes a connector holder 514 that includes a release mechanism
502 for releasing a fiber optic adapter 536 and a second fiber
optic connector 50 from a first fiber optic connector 12 when the
first fiber optic connector 12 may not be readily accessible to a
user such as, for example, when the holder 514 may be part of a
fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or
chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector 12 is positioned
inside such a device without access to the first connector 12 from
an exterior of the device.
[0106] Still referring to FIGS. 25-31, the holder 514 of the system
500 includes a base 516 and a housing 518. Housing 518 defines a
pocket 520 for receipt of a distal end 22 of first connector 12.
Pocket 520 also receives the adapter 536. Holder 514 includes a
clip 526 which clips to first connector 12 to hold first connector
12 to holder 514. As shown, clip 526 clips to a rear 24 of first
connector 12. Clip 526 is located at end 530 of holder 514. The
depicted clip 526 is u-shaped and includes two clip arms 548. Other
variations in structures for fixedly holding the connector 12 are
also possible.
[0107] As shown in FIGS. 25-31, the adapter 536 is inserted into an
opposite end 532 of holder 514 for mating connection with first
connector 12. Adapter 536 is inserted along a longitudinal axis 540
into pocket 520 and latches to first connector 12. Adapter 536 is
not latched to holder 514 wherein movement in the axially direction
would be prevented. Instead, axial movement is controlled by clip
526 mounted to first connector 12. As discussed for previous
embodiments, pocket 520 does provide some support to adapter 536.
The main fixation of the mating connectors and adapter 536,
however, is between first connector 12 and holder 514.
[0108] Once adapter 536 is mated with first connector 12, a second
connector 50 is mated with adapter 536. Once second connector 50 is
mated with adapter 536, fiber optic signals can be transmitted
between a first cable and a second cable. Once both connectors 12,
50 are mated to adapter 536, the optical fibers within each of the
first and second connectors 12, 50 and first and second cables are
in optical alignment.
[0109] If desired, second connector 50 can be pre-mated with
adapter 536, and then the combined adapter 536 and second connector
50 can be inserted into holder 514 for mating with first connector
12.
[0110] In the embodiment shown, the holder 514 includes the release
mechanism 502 that allows a user to release the fiber optic adapter
536 and the second fiber optic connector 50 from the first fiber
optic connector 12 when the first optic connector 12 may not be
readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder
514 may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel,
module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic
connector 12 is positioned inside such a device without access to
the first connector 12 from an exterior of the device. The release
mechanism 502 is defined by a lever arm 510 pivotally attached via
a hinge 506 at a top 508 of the holder housing 518.
[0111] The lever arm 510 defines a first end 511 and a second end
513. The first end 511 is configured to be pressed down by a user
and is positioned so as to be accessible to a user from an exterior
of a device if, for example, the holder is forming a part of the
device that limits access to the first connector 12.
[0112] The second end 513 of the lever arm 510 is configured as a
release end. When the lever arm 510 is operated, the release end
513 abuts and lifts up the latch 60 of the first fiber optic
connector 12 and frees the latch 60 from a catch 571 of the adapter
536. Thus, when the lever arm 510 is pivotally moved, the adapter
536 and the second connector 50 that is latched thereto can be
slidably removed from holder 514. Since the only connection that is
preventing axial movement of the adapter 536 and the second
connector 50 relative to the holder 514 is the latched connection
of the first connector 12 that is held by the clip 526, freeing the
adapter 536 from the first connector 12 allows release of the
adapter 536 and the second connector 50 from the holder 514.
[0113] In this manner, as discussed, when the first fiber optic
connector 12 is not readily accessible to a user such as, for
example, when the holder 514 may be part of a fixture on a device
such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the
first fiber optic connector 12 is positioned inside such a device
without access to the first connector 12 from an exterior of the
device, the release mechanism 502 can be used to release the
adapter 536 and the second connector 50 without disturbing the
first connector 12.
[0114] During initial insertion or re-insertion of the adapter 536
into the holder 514 to mate with the first connector 12, the
release end 513 of the lever arm 510 simply pivots upwardly and out
of the way due to abutment with the adapter 536 to allow the latch
60 of the first connector to engage with the catch 571 of the
adapter 536.
[0115] FIGS. 32-46 illustrate another embodiment of a connector
holder system 600, wherein the holder 614 of the system 600
includes a release mechanism 602 for releasing a fiber optic
adapter 636 and a second fiber optic connector 50 from a first
fiber optic connector 12 when the first optic connector 12 may not
be readily accessible to a user.
[0116] FIGS. 32-41 are various views of the connector holder system
600 wherein the mounting and the release of the adapter 636 and the
second connector 50 to and from the first connector 12 that is held
by the holder 614 are illustrated. FIGS. 42-45 illustrate the
holder 614 in isolation. FIG. 46 illustrates a portion of the
holder 614 with a first connector 12 attached to a clip 626 of the
holder 614.
[0117] Still referring to FIGS. 32-46, in the embodiment shown, the
holder 614 of the system 600 defines a plurality of pockets 620 for
receiving the distal ends 22 of first connectors 12 and also the
adapters 636. It should be noted that the inventive features of the
holder 614 are applicable to versions that might have less or more
pockets.
[0118] Each pocket 620 is cooperatively defined by a base 616 and a
housing 618. In the embodiment shown, the holder 614 also includes
a vertical wall 604 that defines openings 606 for each housing
618.
[0119] The vertical wall 604 might represent a portion (e.g., an
exterior wall) of a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette,
or chassis. In such an example, the first fiber optic connector 12
may be positioned at a first side 608 of the wall 604 and not
accessible from a second side 610 of the wall 604 that only
provides access to the adapter 636 and the second connector 50.
[0120] For each pocket 620, the holder 614 includes a clip 626
which clips to first connector 12 to hold first connector 12 to
holder 614. Similar to the embodiments discussed above, the clips
626 clip to the rear 24 of first connector 12. In the depicted
embodiment, the clips 626 are u-shaped and include two clip arms
648. Other variations are possible. Each clip 626 is located at end
630 of housing 618 that is at the opposite end from the adapter
insertion end of the housing 618.
[0121] The release mechanism 602 of the holder, as shown in FIGS.
37-41, is defined by a pivotable floor 601 of the base 616 of the
holder 614. The pivotable floor 601 is integrally attached to the
base 616 at a first end 603 and defines a free unattached end 605
that enables the floor 601 to act as a cantilever.
[0122] Once the first connector 12 has been inserted into the
pocket 620 from the end 630 of the housing 618 and has been clipped
to the clip 626, the adapter 636 is brought into the pocket 620
from the opposite end 632. When the adapter 636 is inserted into
the pocket 620, as shown in FIG. 39, the front end 637 of the
adapter 636 that is going to be latched with the connector 12 can
be pivoted downwardly within the pocket 620. The pivoting of the
adapter 636 is allowed because of the contact of the bottom 639 of
the adapter with the pivotable floor 601. The floor 601 acts as a
cantilever that allows the latch 60 of the first connector 12 to
move over the catch 671 of the adapter 636 and to latch to the
adapter 636.
[0123] When the adapter 636 is latched with the first connector 12,
a tab 609 defined by the pivoting floor 601 also locks within a
detent 611 defined on the adapter body 647 for axially engaging the
adapter 636 with respect to the holder 614. This axial engagement
is in addition to the engagement provided by the latch 60 of the
first connector 12.
[0124] The removal of the adapter 636 from the holder 614 occurs in
a similar fashion to insertion thereof. However, as shown in FIGS.
39-41, in addition to using the pivoting floor 601 of the base 616
to free the adapter 636 from the holder 614, the top 613 of the
housing 618 is also used to initially free the adapter 636 from the
first connector 12.
[0125] As shown in FIGS. 39-41, the top 613 of the housing 618
defines a flexible portion 621 that acts as a cantilever. By either
pressing down on a first end 623 of the top 613 of the housing 618
or lifting up a second end 625 of the top 613 of the housing 618, a
rear end 61 of the latch 60 of the first connector 12 is contacted.
By pressing down on the rear end 61 of the latch 60, the front end
63 of the latch 60 can be freed from the catch 671 of the adapter
636.
[0126] Once the adapter 636 is freed from the first connector 12,
the adapter 636 needs to be freed from the tab 609 defined by the
pivotable floor 601. The rear end 641 of the adapter 636 can be
pressed downwardly, lifting up the front end 637 and freeing the
tab 609 from the detent 611 of the adapter 636. The flexibility of
the top 613 of the housing 618 allows the front end 637 of the
adapter 636 to be lifted up and the pivotability/flexibility of the
floor 601 allows the adapter 636 to be slidably pulled out once the
tab 609 has cleared the detent 611. In this manner, the adapter 636
can be taken out of the pocket 620 of the holder 614.
[0127] Referring now to FIGS. 34, 36, and 41, it should be noted
that the first end 623 of the flexible portion 621 of the top 613
of the housing 618 can also be used in freeing the first connector
12 from the holder 614 if the user has access to the first side 608
of the vertical wall 604. The first end 623 of the top 613 of the
housing 618 is positioned such that it is accessible from the first
side 608 of the wall 604. If the first connector 12 is at a
location that is accessible by the user and needs to be released
from the adapter 636 and the second connector 50, the first end 623
of the top 613 of the housing 618 can be pressed downwardly by the
user to free to first connector 12 from the adapter 636. The first
connector 12 can, thus, be pulled out of the holder 614. The
adapter 636 is prevented from being pulled out of the first side
608 of the wall 604 by the clip 626.
[0128] The embodiments discussed above are directed to holders that
include the release mechanisms. According to another aspect of the
disclosure, the release mechanism may be an integral part of the
adapter that aligns the first and second fiber optic connectors.
Similar to the embodiments discussed above with respect to FIGS.
25-46, the release mechanism of the adapter might allow a user to
release the adapter and the second fiber optic connector from the
first fiber optic connector when the first optic connector is not
readily accessible to a user (e.g., when the first fiber optic
connector is supported by a holder that is part of a fixture on a
device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein
the first fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device
without access to the first connector from an exterior of the
device).
[0129] FIGS. 47-56 illustrate such a system 700 wherein the release
mechanism is an integral part of the adapter 736. FIGS. 47-51
illustrate various components of the system 700, while FIGS. 52-56
illustrate the sequence of operation in releasing the adapter 736
and the second fiber optic connector 50 from the first fiber optic
connector 12 that may be held by the holder of the system 700.
[0130] FIGS. 57-71 show a variation of an adapter 836 for use with
the system 700, wherein the adapter 836 has similar release
features to the adapter 736 of system 700.
[0131] Referring back to FIGS. 47-56, the system 700 includes the
adapter 736 having an integral release mechanism 702. The system
700 may include a holder 714 that facilitates use of the integral
release mechanism 702 of the adapter 736 as will be described in
further detail below.
[0132] The release mechanism 702 of the adapter 736 is defined by a
slider 704 that is positioned at the top 713 of the adapter 736.
The slider 704 is configured to be slidably moved by a user to
release the latch 60 of a connector, either a first connector 12 or
a second connector 50, from the catches 771 of an adapter 736.
[0133] The slider 704 defines a pair of first slide tabs 701 on
opposing sides of the slider 704 adjacent the first end 703 of the
slider 704 and a pair of second slide tabs 705 on opposing sides of
the slider 704 adjacent the second end 707 of the slider. Each of a
right sidewall 709 and a left sidewall 711 of the adapter 736
defines a first slot 715 adjacent the first end 743 of the adapter
736 and a second slot 717 adjacent the second end 745 of the
adapter 736. The first slots 715 receive the first slide tabs 701
and the second slots 717 receive the second slide tabs 705 to allow
the slider 704 to slidably move. The movement is limited by the
slide tabs 701, 705 abutting with the ends of the slots 715, 717
that act as positive stops. The top 721 of the slider 704 defines a
grip surface 723 to assist a user in using the slider 704.
[0134] The first and second ends 703, 707 of the slider 704 define
release portions 725. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG.
50, the release portions 725 are configured to abut and wedge
underneath the latches 60 of the connectors 12 to pivot the front
ends 63 of the latches 60 of the connectors 12 to release the
latches 60 from the catches 771 of the adapter 736. In this manner,
if one of the connectors 12, 50 is not accessible to a user, the
user can push the slider 704 toward the connector and release the
latch 60 from the catch 771 of the adapter 736.
[0135] As noted above, the system 700 may also include a holder 714
that facilitates use of the integral release mechanism 702 of the
adapter 736 as illustrated in FIGS. 47-56.
[0136] The holder 714, similar to previously discussed holders,
defines a base 716 and a housing 718. A clip 726 is located at a
first end 730 of the holder 714 for clipping in the first connector
12. Extending from a top 719 of the housing 718 of the holder 714
is a retention tab 731. The retention tab 731 is configured to
contact a pair of tabs 733 positioned on the top 713 of the adapter
736 and retain the adapter within the housing 718 of the holder 714
and prevent the adapter 736 to be pulled out in a direction
opposite to the direction of insertion into the housing 718.
[0137] When the slider 704 is used to release the latch 60 of the
connector 12, the slider 704 also contacts the retention tab 731 to
move and unlatch the retention tab 731 from the tabs 733 on the top
713 of the adapter 736. The deflection tab 731 is configured to be
flexible such that when the slider 704 is used to release a
connector from the adapter 736, the deflection tab 731 abuts a
portion of the slider 704 and moves upwardly out of the way of the
slider 704 as the release portion 725 of the slider 704 is abutting
the latch 60 of a connector. For example, the sequence of operation
for releasing an adapter 736 and a second connector 50 from a first
connector 12 of the system 700 is shown in FIGS. 52-56.
[0138] The configuration of the release mechanism 702 of the system
700 allows a user to release the adapter 736 from the connector 12
and to pull the adapter 736 and the second connector 50 from the
holder 714 with a single hand.
[0139] FIGS. 57-71 illustrate another embodiment of an adapter 836
having an integral release mechanism 802 that is configured for use
with the system 700 of FIGS. 47-56. The adapter 836 of FIGS. 57-71
is similar in configuration to the adapter 736 shown in FIGS. 47-56
except for having a slider 804 with a different grip surface
823.
[0140] The above specification, examples and data provide a
complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition
of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,
the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0141] 10 Connector holder system
[0142] 12 First fiber optic connector
[0143] 14 Fiber optic connector holder
[0144] 16 Base
[0145] 18 Housing
[0146] 20 Pocket
[0147] 22 Distal end of first connector
[0148] 24 Rear of first connector
[0149] 26 Clip
[0150] 28 Slots
[0151] 30 End of holder
[0152] 32 Opposite end of holder
[0153] 34 Shutter
[0154] 36 Adapter
[0155] 40 Longitudinal axis
[0156] 42 RFID tag location
[0157] 44 Holes
[0158] 46 Posts
[0159] 48 Clip arms
[0160] 50 Second fiber optic connector
[0161] 54 First cable
[0162] 56 Second cable
[0163] 60 Latch
[0164] 61 Rear end
[0165] 63 Front end
[0166] 70 Mounting arrangement
[0167] 100 First tray
[0168] 102 Structures
[0169] 104 Cable pass through
[0170] 106 Cable storage area
[0171] 200 Second tray
[0172] 202 Base
[0173] 204 Cover
[0174] 206 Slots
[0175] 210 Buttons
[0176] 212 Rear portion
[0177] 300 Panel
[0178] 302 Rows
[0179] 400 Mounting block
[0180] 402 Rows
[0181] 500 Connector holder system
[0182] 502 Release mechanism
[0183] 506 Hinge
[0184] 508 Top
[0185] 510 Lever arm
[0186] 511 First end
[0187] 513 Second release end
[0188] 514 Holder
[0189] 516 Base
[0190] 518 Housing
[0191] 520 Pocket
[0192] 526 Clip
[0193] 530 End
[0194] 532 Opposite end
[0195] 536 Adapter
[0196] 540 Longitudinal axis
[0197] 548 Clip arms
[0198] 571 Catch
[0199] 600 Connector holder system
[0200] 601 Pivotable floor
[0201] 602 Release mechanism
[0202] 603 First end
[0203] 604 Vertical wall
[0204] 605 Second end
[0205] 606 Opening
[0206] 608 First side
[0207] 609 Tab
[0208] 610 Second side
[0209] 611 Detent
[0210] 613 Top
[0211] 614 Holder
[0212] 616 Base
[0213] 618 Housing
[0214] 620 Pocket
[0215] 621 Flexible portion
[0216] 623 First end
[0217] 625 Second end
[0218] 626 Clip
[0219] 630 End
[0220] 632 Opposite end
[0221] 636 Adapter
[0222] 637 Front end
[0223] 639 Bottom
[0224] 641 Rear end
[0225] 647 Adapter body
[0226] 648 Clip arms
[0227] 671 Catch
[0228] 700 Connector holder system
[0229] 701 First slide tab
[0230] 702 Release mechanism
[0231] 703 First end
[0232] 704 Slider
[0233] 705 Second slide tab
[0234] 707 Second end
[0235] 709 Right sidewall
[0236] 711 Left sidewall
[0237] 713 Top
[0238] 714 Holder
[0239] 715 First slot
[0240] 716 Base
[0241] 717 Second slot
[0242] 718 Housing
[0243] 719 Top
[0244] 721 Top of slider
[0245] 723 Grip surface
[0246] 725 Release portion
[0247] 726 Clip
[0248] 730 First end
[0249] 731 Deflection tab
[0250] 733 Tab
[0251] 736 Adapter
[0252] 743 First end
[0253] 745 Second end
[0254] 771 Catch
[0255] 802 Release mechanism
[0256] 804 Slider
[0257] 823 Grip surface
[0258] 836 Adapter
* * * * *